Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan on Thursday called upon the scientists in the country to lead the country’s march towards self-reliance.
She said that science and technology play a crucial role in realizing the goal of Atma Nirbhar Bharat. Research and innovation are vital for the country’s progress, prosperity, and sustainable development.
Addressing the 78th CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) Foundation Day celebrations in a virtual mode from Puducherry, the Governor exhorted the scientists to increase the number of patent applications, and trademark filings from our country.
“In order to create knowledge-based economy and emerge as the knowledge super power, we need to promote collaborative and multi-disciplinary research and get the maximum number of intellectual property rights,” she added.
Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan stated that the proposed National Research Fund (NRF) with a massive outlay of Rs 50,000 crore, as envisaged in the National Education Policy-2020, will give a major fillip to the research in the country.
Expressing concern over our country’s dependence on other countries for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Key Starting Materials used by the pharma sector, the Governor called for the self-reliance in these areas so as to live up to our image as the pharma capital of the world.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need to achieve self-reliance in the pharmacy sector and reduce our dependence on other countries during the crisis,” she said.
Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan lauded the efforts of the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) for its proactive role in the development of an indigenous vaccines, drugs, and other initiatives during the COVID pandemic.
“The 78th Foundation Day celebrations must serve as an occasion to reflect the past journey of the institution and re-strategize its future plans to emerge as the institute of global excellence in the field of chemistry and chemical technologies,” she added.
